Making steady progress towards opening in July 2026.
Nestled along the breathtaking Tinley Manor coastline, the upcoming Club Med resort is set to redefine luxury and innovation in South Africa. This first-of-its-kind destination promises not only an exceptional all-inclusive experience but also advanced designs and technology that blends with the natural beauty of the Dolphin Coast seamlessly. In an exclusive Q&A, we delve into the visionary elements behind this resort, from its eco-conscious architecture to the unique opportunities it offers for both guests and the local community.
Are there any cutting-edge technologies or innovations being integrated into the resort’s design or operations that guests can look forward to?
The resort has been designed with a customer-centric focus, featuring a variety of unique spaces and experiences. Its state-of-the-art architecture maximises views while using superior building materials that blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the site. The vibrant design mixes local and international influences thanks to a partnership between French architects, Studio MHNA and South African architects, Mobius. Each space and room category features a distinctive identity, with a keen attention to detail throughout the resort.
As a first for South Africa, the resort offers a premium all-inclusive experience, including childcare for children as young as four-months-old. The international staff, known as Gentle Organizers (GOs), hail from around the world and embody the Club Med spirit, with a team of 500 representing diverse backgrounds and nationalities. There are 66 suites from the Club Med Exclusive Collection which will soon be available for purchase, offering a unique ownership model that combines the benefits of Club Med Tinley Manor South Africa Beach and Safari Resort’s all-inclusive experience with ownership perks.
With Tinley Manor boasting the best climate and no jet lag for European visitors, how do you plan to leverage these advantages to attract international tourists?
Tinley Manor is uniquely positioned to appeal to international tourists, particularly from Europe, where the minimal time difference means no jet lag, allowing visitors to fully enjoy their holiday from the moment they arrive. Leveraging the region’s unbeatable climate, we are offering a world-class combination of beach and safari experiences, a “dream” duo that only a few destinations can match.
The resort will feature South Africa’s first Club Med surf school, giving visitors an exclusive opportunity to engage in this thrilling sport in a pristine environment. Beyond surfing, our guests will have access to a wide range of immersive experiences that showcase the unique beauty of the area, such as whale and dolphin watching, hiking, and biking trails that explore the stunning coastal views.
Added to this, the location allows easy access to some of the country’s most iconic cultural and leisure destinations, enhancing its appeal to international tourists seeking an authentic South African adventure. Our goal is to provide a holiday that is not only relaxing but also culturally enriching, offering something for everyone, from families to adventure seekers and nature lovers.
The Dolphin Coast is known for its rich biodiversity. How is the resort contributing to the conservation of local flora and fauna, and are there any partnerships with environmental organisations to support these efforts?
Environmental respect is at the core of Club Med’s resort development in South Africa, aligning with our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Key measures include noise prevention strategies to minimise disruptions to local wildlife, the use of eco-friendly materials in the resort’s construction, and a strong emphasis on acoustic and thermal comfort. We have designed the resort’s layout to be in harmony with the surrounding environment, protecting key areas of biodiversity, large trees, and green spaces. Water usage will be managed efficiently, with an on-site water treatment plant, and energy-saving lighting will be employed to minimise the impact on local fauna.
In terms of construction, we are committed to using sustainable materials and implementing effective waste management systems to reduce our environmental footprint. Once operational, the resort will adhere to strict waste sorting and recycling processes, further reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
To ensure that our efforts meet international standards, the resort will be Green Star certified for eco-building and Green Globe certified for the ongoing operation of the resort. Our partnership with Solid Green Consulting ensures that both the design and construction of the resort adhere to these high environmental standards. Club Med also upholds internal policies, such as our ‘Bye Bye Plastic’ initiative, which aims to eliminate single-use plastics from our resorts.
Through these efforts, Club Med Tinley Manor is dedicated to not only offering a luxurious experience for guests but also ensuring that the local ecosystem is protected for future generations.
Beyond job creation, how do you plan to ensure that the local communities benefit from the resort in the long term? Are there specific programmes or initiatives aimed at community development and upliftment?
We are dedicated to supporting local communities through several initiatives. Our focus includes sourcing products and services from local partners and farmers, creating significant job opportunities with an emphasis on hiring from the local community. We also offer development programmes that promote internal growth and international mobility for staff members.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope the Club Med Tinley Manor South Africa Beach and Safari Resort will leave in the region, and how do you see the resort evolving over the next decade to continue attracting visitors and benefiting the local area?
Our goal is to leave a legacy of successful collaboration between an international player and local partners, boosting the attractiveness of the North Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, and South Africa as a whole. We envision the resort continuing to draw international visitors while positively impacting the local economy and contributing to the region’s long-term growth and development.
